Project Description
October 28, 2007
I was approached by the Event Coordinator for the Canada Tibet Committee to provide a special stage design for an historic Public Talk by His Holiness the Dalai Lama where His Holiness' would address "Global Citizenship through Universal Responsibility".
I was very honoured to be selected to fulfill this exhilarating and very high profile assignment. I needed to transform a stage area of 28ft x 24ft at ice level of the Civic Center Arena in Ottawa into a “living room” that would present a relaxed and comfortable environment for such a eminent guest. The ‘room’ would be seen by the 9,000 audience members of Ottawa’s CivicCenter, a television
audience and media images would be flashed around the world.
One major challenge would be theatrical sight-lines. I needed to screen His Holiness until he was ready to appear on stage, and yet present a good view of the 20ft x 10ft Tibetan Flag and a 20ft x 10ft mural of the Potela Palace for the audience
and cameras. Scheduled in the program was the Master of Ceremonies, Mark Tewskbury, twelve Tibetan dancers, a spiritual vocalist and a signer for the hearing impaired where it was my responsibility to position these performers.
One other challenge I faced was acquiring a chair for His Holiness that would be auctioned after his visit, proceeds going to the Canada Tibet Association. Other furnishings and décor on the stage would have to be acquired on-loan.
I would have just 1.5 hours to prepare my stage for lighting and camera angles, after which the stage is vacated to allow RCMP sniffer dogs to do their job in and around the stage area. Something I don’t have to consider in my usual line of work!
How it was done
Before tackling this assignment, I needed to learn and understand the culture of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people in order that I present a politically correct image. I researched their personal history in books and online and listened to traditional music and chants in an attempt to familiarize myself with the Tibetan culture.
Using my research as a foundation, applying the principles of interior design and decorating, and following theatrical rules, I sketched out a stage plan to scale. Adding a television platform to the side of the stage would enable close-ups of the Dalai Lama. Once the stage layout had been designed, the performers, signer and MC were positioned.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my gratitude to the following organizations that so generously provided furnishings for the stage of the Dalai Lama.
Norwalk Furniture
generously donated a custom upholstered chair for the event, later
to be auctioned. The Chair was Pauline 4086-30 Chair upholstered in
Soho 2-760466, the thread
colours of burgundy, saffron and blue, repeating the colours in the Tibetan
flag. The legs finished in rosewood.
Norwalk
also provided the interpreters chair and various tables.
1677 Carling Avenue
Ottawa,
Ontario, 613-729-2355
Tivoli Florist donated the magnificent
fall display of twigs, berries, and greenery.
282
Richmond Road
Ottawa Ontario,
Local: 613-729-6911, Toll Free: 800-867-5617
Alexanians Rugs and Carpets provided the rug. You can see this beautiful rug on display in their showroom.
444 Hazeldean Rd, Kanata, Ontario, Phone 613-831-0230
Tryg Schonning, Chairperson of Crystal Staff loaned the magnificent Thangkas (wall hangings) which was the element that added vibrant colour and energy.
Thank you to each one of my contributors. Your help and |
generosity is very much appreciated. |
Finished set, waiting for guests to arrive
His Holiness making himself comfortable. (Ottawa Citizen Photograph)
His Holiness laughing with his interpreter. (Photograph by Chris Kralik)
Ottawa Civic Centre Arena Stage. (Photograph by Chris Kralik)
Testimonial
The Canada Tibet Committee was extremely
pleased with the amazing stage design and décor that Spotlight on Décor created
for the Dalai Lama Public Talk. Susan Phillips was a true professional on all
aspects of this event. The care and compassion she applied to every detail made
it a delight to work with her and would recommend with high marks to any
company or individual.
Shelagh Mills
Canada Tibet Committee
